Mr. Armand P. Fugge, 89, a life-long resident of Methuen, Massachusetts passed away peacefully on Monday April 2nd, 2012 at his home surrounded by his family after a long courageous battle with cancer.
He was born on September 14th, 1922 in North Andover, Massachusetts to the late James and Rosamond (Trotta) Fugge.
Armand was educated at the Ashford Grammar School in Methuen and was a 1940 graduate of Searles High School. After graduation, Armand worked in local mills and then as a welder at the South Portland, Maine Ship Yard and at the Bethleham Steel Company in Quincy.
A veteran of World War II, Armand served in the 398th Bombardment Group, 600 Squadron, Eighth Air Force based in Nuthamstead, England. As the Flight Engineer and top turret gunner in the B-17 Flying Fortress heavy bomber aircraft, Tech Sergeant Fugge, flew 32 combat bombardment missions over Germany and German occupied countries including the invasion of Normandy on D-Day. On one such mission to bomb the oil refineries at Hamburg, Germany, a piece of flak barely missed him but made a direct hit on the main hydraulic system. Using nothing more than a pocket knife, pliers and a screwdriver, Sergeant Fugge was able to repair the leaking system which allowed the damaged Flying Fortress to make a safe landing at home base.
For his "courage, coolness and skill during combat operations over enemy occupied Germany," Armand was decorated with the Distinguished Flying Cross; the Air Medal with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters; European Theater Medal with 2 Campaign Stars; the World War II Victory Medal; the Good Conduct Medal; and the American Campaign Medal. Armand was very proud of his military service to keep our country free. His combat diary is on the 398th Bomb Group Website.
After the war, Armand and his wife raised their 6 children in Methuen. He worked in construction and carpentry for over 40 years, first for his brother Sam, and then with Charles Construction Company. He was a member of the Carpenters Union Local #111 and the Disabled American Veterans.
In his spare time, Armand enjoyed gardening and would share the abundance of vegetables his green thumb produced. During his younger years he also enjoyed fishing and hunting with family and friends. He was a big fan of old time country music and Hank Williams. Known as a "Mr. Fix It", Armand loved Motorcycles and rebuild 2 old motorcycles from boxes of parts and restored them to road worthiness.
Armand's survived by:
His 4 daughters Carol Bascio of Salem, NH
Janice Fugge, Joan Fugge and
Judy Littles all of Methuen, MA.
His grandchildren Michael Bascio, James Bascio, David Bascio, James Fugge, Daniel Fugge, Christine Gagnon, Kimberly Gagnon, Richard Fugge and David Fugge.
Eight Great Grand Children as well as several nieces and nephews.
His sister Yolanda Bovard of San Antonio, TX
His brother Alfred Fugge of Santa Ana, CA.
Predeceased by his wife Margaret (Shaw) Fugge
Father of the late James Fugge and Justine Gagnon
Brother of the late John Fugge, Sam Fugge, Gilda Lombardo and Ann Caruso.
The family would like to acknowledge and thank the Merrimack Valley Hospice for their kindness, compassion, comfort and care during Armand's time of need.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to call on Monday, April 9th, 2012 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the John Breen Memorial Funeral Home, Inc., 122 Amesbury Street, Lawrence, MA. For online condolences and other information please go to www.breenfuneralhome.com.
His funeral mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 10th, 2012 at 9:00 a.m. in Saint Monica's Church in Methuen, Massachusetts.
Memorial Contributions may be made to Merrimack Valley Hospice, 360 Merrimack Street, Lawrence, MA 01841.